Peach tree named &#39;snow baby&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree ( Prunus persica ). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
     1. The tree being a regular and productive bearer of large size, white flesh fruit.   2. The tree with vigorous, upright growth.   3. Producing fruit with an attractive dark red skin color.   4. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality with a mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor.   5. Fruit with good storage and shipping quality.

BOTANICAL DESIGNATION

Prunus persica

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘Snow Baby’

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

1. Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It wasagainst this background of our activities that the present variety ofpeach tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

2. Prior Varieties

Among the existing varieties of peach trees, which are known to us, andmentioned herein, ‘Sugar Lady’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,532), ‘RichLady’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,290), ‘Country Sweet’ Peach (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 11,090), ‘Zee Lady’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,832),‘Sweet Gem’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,952), ‘Zee Diamond’ Peach (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 9,673), ‘Super Rich’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,860),‘Amparo’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,472), ‘Spring Snow’ Peach (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 9,883) and the proprietary non-patented peach seedlingselections ‘196LT639’, ‘59Z480’ and ‘35M358’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of peach tree (Prunus persica) wasdeveloped by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif.from seed of a first generation cross between our two proprietarynon-patented peach seedling selections with field identification numbers‘196LT639’ and ‘35M358’. The seed parent ‘196LT639’ (non-patented)originated from crosses between ‘Sugar Lady’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No.7,532), ‘Rich Lady’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,290) and theproprietary seedling selection ‘59Z480’ peach (non-patented). The pollenparent ‘35M358’ (non-patented) originated from crosses between thefollowing varieties; ‘Sweet Gem’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,952), ‘ZeeDiamond’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,673), ‘Super Rich’ Peach (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 9,860), ‘Country Sweet’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No.11,090), ‘Zee Lady’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,832) and ‘Amparo’ Peach(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,472). A large number of these first generationseedlings were grown and budded on older ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock(non-patented) to accelerate rapid fruit production for evaluation.Under close and careful observation, one such seedling, which is thepresent variety, exhibited desirable tree and fruit characteristics andwas selected in 2007 for further asexual propagations andcommercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of peach tree wasby budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), as performed by usin our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., and shows thatreproductions run true to the original tree and all characteristics ofthe tree and its fruit are established and transmitted throughsucceeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present new variety of peach tree (Prunus persica) is of large size,vigorous, upright growth and a productive and regular bearer of largesize, clingstone fruit with mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor and good eatingquality. The fruit is further characterized by having an attractive darkred skin color, firm, white flesh and being relatively uniform in sizethroughout the tree. In comparison to the proprietary seed parent‘196LT639’ peach (non-patented) the fruit of the new variety is largerin size and approximately 30 days later in maturity. In comparison tothe proprietary pollen parent ‘35M358’ peach (non-patented) the fruit ofthe new variety has white compared to yellow flesh, a more attractivered skin color and is approximately 4 days earlier in maturity. Incomparison to the commercial variety ‘Spring Snow’ Peach (U.S. PlantPat. No. 9,883) the fruit of the new variety has a more attractive,darker red skin color and is approximately 9 days later in maturity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new peach variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its sutureplane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place.The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked(shipping ripe) from a 5 year old tree and the colors are as nearly trueas is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofpeach tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observations of5 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color inaccordance with Munsell Book of Color.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Large, usually pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and            width for economical harvesting of fruit. Size varies with            different cultural practices.        -   Vigor.—Vigorous, growth of 1.5 to 2 meters in height the            first growing season. Varies with soil type, fertility and            climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Upright, usually pruned to vase shape.        -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 30°,            increases with heavy crop load.        -   Productivity.—Productive, fruit thinning and spacing            necessary for desired market size. Fruit set varies with            climatic conditions during bloom season.        -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 3 consecutive years. No            alternate bearing observed.        -   Fertility.—Self fertile.        -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape to allow            more sunlight to center of tree to enhance fruit color and            health of fruit wood.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of            California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter            chilling requirement approximately 600 hours at or below 45°            F.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 55.9 cm at 20.3 cm above            ground on a 5 year old tree.        -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.        -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age.        -   Color.—Varies from 5Y 5/2 to 5Y 4/2.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 10.9 cm at 1.0 meter            above ground. Crotch angle approximately 30°, increases with            heavy crop load.        -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth            medium rough, roughness increases with age of growth.        -   Lenticels.—Large. Average number 21 in a 25.8 sq cm section.            Average length 4.1 mm. Average width 1.9 mm. Color varies            from 10YR 6/8 to 10YR 5/8.        -   Color.—New growth varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5R 3/8 where            exposed to the sun. Mature growth varies from 5YR 5/2 to 5YR            2/4, varies with age of growth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 133.6 mm. Average width 41.1 mm.        -   Form.—Lanceolate.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Cuneate.        -   Margin.—Serrate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slightly            indented over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface            relatively smooth except for small ridges created by midrib            and pinnate venation. Both surfaces glabrous.        -   Petiole.—Average length 10.7 mm. Average width 1.5 mm. Color            5GY 4/8. Longitudinally grooved. Surface-glabrous.        -   Glands.—Type — reniform. Size — medium to large. Average            length 1.1 mm. Average diameter 0.9 mm. Average number 3,            varies from 2 to 4. Located primarily on base of leaf blade            and upper portion of petiole. Color varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to            5GY 5/6.        -   Stipules.—Average length 7.8 mm. Average number 2. Margin —            pectinate. Color 5GY 5/6.        -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 10GY 3/4 to 7.5GY 3/4.            Lower surface varies from 10GY 4/4 to 7.5GY 4/4. Midvein            color varies from 5GY 8/4 to 2.5GY 6/4.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 18.2 mm. Average diameter 11.3            mm.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.        -   Form.—Plump, conical, becoming elongated before opening.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 4.7 mm. Average width 1.2 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 5/6 to 5GY 6/6.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5RP 7/8 to 5RP 7/10.-   Flowers:    -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 27, 2011. Date of            Petal Fall Mar. 7, 2011, varies slightly with climatic            conditions.        -   Size.—Large, showy. Average height 19.9 mm. Average diameter            32.2 mm.        -   Petals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Size —            large. Average length 17.9 mm. Average width 18.7 mm. Form —            orbicular. Margin — sinuate. Both upper and lower surfaces            glabrous. Color varies from 2.5RP 9/2 to 5RP 7/8, fades with            age of flower.        -   Sepals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to petals. Size —            large. Average length 5.9 mm. Average width 5.7 mm. Shape —            triangular, apex rounded. Margin — entire. Upper surface —            glabrous. Lower surface — pubescent. Color — upper surface            varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 7.5R 2/6. Lower surface varies from            2.5R 2/8 to 10Y 6/6.        -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 40. Average filament            length 15.2 mm. Filament color varies from N 9.5/(white) to            5RP 8/4, depending on age of flower. Anther color varies            from 7.5R 2/8 to 5R 3/10.        -   Pollen.—Self fertile. Color varies from 2.5Y 8/14 to 5Y            8.5/10.        -   Pistil.—Normally one. Surface — pubescent. Average length            16.7 mm. Position of stigma even with anthers. Color varies            from 7.5Y 8.5/10 to 5Y 8.5/8.        -   Fragrance.—Heavy aroma.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5RP 9/2 to 5RP 7/8.        -   Number flowers per flower bud.—One.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 4.7 mm. Average width 1.3 mm. Color            varies from 10Y 7/8 to 2.5GY 7/6.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe.        -   Date of first picking.—Jun. 4, 2011.        -   Date of last picking.—Jun. 11, 2011, varies slightly with            climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Large. Average diameter axially 59.4 mm. Average            transversely in suture plane 73.3 mm. Average weight 201.6            grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil, amount of            thinning and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Globose.        -   Suture.—Nearly smooth, extends from base to apex.        -   Ventral surface.—Very slightly lipped, nearly smooth.        -   Apex.—Slightly retuse.        -   Base.—Varies from flat to slightly retuse.        -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.            Average depth 6.9 mm. Average diameter 9.1 mm.-   Stem:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 10.9 mm. Average diameter 4.0            mm.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 2.5GY 5/8.-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.        -   Texture.—Firm, meaty.        -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.        -   Firmness—Good, comparable to other commercial varieties.        -   Aroma.—Slight.        -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.        -   Eating quality.—Good.        -   Flavor.—Good, mild, sweet, sub-acid.        -   Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.        -   Brix.—Average Brix 11.2°, varies slightly with amount of            fruit per tree and climatic conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 10Y 9/1 to 7.5Y 9/2. Pit cavity color            varies from 7.5Y 8.5/4 to 7.5Y 8/4.        -   Pit cavity.—Average length 33.0 mm. Average width 25.0 mm.            Average depth 11.0 mm. Color varies from 10Y 8.5/4 to 2.5GY            7/4.-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Pubescence.—Moderate amount, short in length.        -   Tendency to crack.—None.        -   Color.—Ground color varies from 2.5Y 9/2 to 2.5Y 8.5/2.            Overspread with 5R 3/4 to 2.5R 3/4.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—Undetected.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone.        -   Size.—Large. Average length 32.1 mm. Average width 23.9 mm.            Average thickness 20.0 mm.        -   Form.—Ovoid.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Apex.—Pointed. Average length 2.7 mm.        -   Surface.—Pitted throughout, pits vary from round to            elongated.        -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further from suture            plane.        -   Ridges.—Relatively smooth, extending from base to apex.        -   Tendency to split.—None.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 7/6 to 10YR 7/2 when dry.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 15.9 mm. Average width 10.8 mm.            Average depth 6.2 mm.        -   Form.—Ovoid.        -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.        -   Skin.—Color varies from 7.5Y 9/4 to 10Y 9/2.-   Use: Dessert. Market — local and long distance.-   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage at 38° to 42° F.    for 3 weeks without internal breakdown of flesh or appreciable loss    of flavor.-   Shipping quality: Good, minimal skin scarring or flesh bruising    during picking, packing and shipping trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing    for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been    designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and    harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions    near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance    or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection    observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal    fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and    eliminated from our breeding program. The present new variety of    peach tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit herein described may vary    in slight detail due to climate, soil conditions and cultural    practices under which the variety may be grown. The present    description is that of the variety grown under the ecological    conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree (Prunus persica),substantially as illustrated and described.